At a glance

Your chance to

At a glance

7 nights local 4-star hotel with comfortable en suite rooms

5 days centre-based walking

Reasonable fitness required

Low altitude throughout

Enjoy coastal and mountain daywalks

North Cyprus remains a hidden gem of the Mediterranean, far less visited and less well known since separation in 1974. Thanks to the abundance of archaeological remains from many civilisations that inhabited the island over the centuries, it is considered the most beautiful and historically interesting part of the island. With superb walking through largely untouched areas teeming with flowers and wildlife and the relaxed local Turkish Cypriot culture, this is a walking week not to be missed.

Walk profile

Daily distance in km/miles:

Day 2

5.0km/3.1miles

Day 3

11.0km/6.8miles

Day 4

10.0km/6.2miles

Day 6

10.0km/6.2miles

Day 7

12.0km/7.5miles

Number of days walking: 5

Pace: Leisurely: 3-4km/2-3miles an hour

Terrain: Low altitude; good paths

Itinerary

Today begins with a transfer to Bellapais village (approx. 20 mins) and the beautiful 14th century Abbey set in the mountains to the south, before heading to town for lunch. This afternoon we enjoy short walk and a transfer back to Kyrenia, a pretty harbour town and a great base from which to explore North Cyprus. Archaeological excavations show the area was first settled as far back as the 10th century BC, and today historic buildings and winding lanes offer a glimpse of the past, sitting side by side more modern additions. Our tour also takes in a visit to Kyrenia's Crusader Castle, which features in English history as far back as the third crusade, when it was taken by Richard the Lionheart. Since then the castle has been updated and used by civilizations as diverse as the Ottomans, the Venetians and the British. As well as glorious views and fascinating architecture, the castle also houses the Shipwreck Museum, home to a 4th century Greek merchant vessel and its cargo.

Saint Hilarion Castle (transfer approx. 25 mins), a former stronghold of the Kyrenia mountains. Originally a hermitage site, the monastery and church were built in the 10th century and later fortified. We will spend some time exploring the castle and enjoying the magnificent views of Kyrenia, before our walk through the hills to Malatya village. We will transfer back to the hotel this afternoon.See more images and videos

4Day 4Buffavento Castle to Bellapais

The magnificent Buffavento Castle (transfer approx.45 mins) which, at 970m, is certainly a highlight of the week. At 970m, is the highest Crusader castle on the island. Buffavento was built in the 11th century as a part of the island's defences against the Arabs, and also controlled an important mountain pass. The dramatic location offers glorious views over Kyrenia and the Five Finger Mountains. Our walk this afternoon will be from the castle down to Bellapais village.See more images and videos

5Day 5Free day

Today is free for further exploration of the island. Of the many tours available locally, of particular interest is a tour to the ancient city of Salamis and the historical city of Famagusta with Othello's Tower, St Sophia Cathedral and the Venetian Palace. Tours can be arranged locally (please note that you may be joining a larger group for these optional tours). Of course you could choose to spend the day relaxing, or explore under your own steam.See more images and videos

6Day 6Incirli cave and Kantara Castle to Kaplica beach

We head East towards the Karpas peninsula today. We will stop near the village of Cinarli and visit the Incirli cave, the largest on the island, containing an amazing collection of stalactites and stalagmites. After this short visit, we will continue on to Kantara Castle, which saw its fair share of conflict during the crusades and the conflicts with Frederick II and the Genoese. Indeed Richard the Lionheart won a famous victory here when he defeated the self -proclaimed king of the island, Isaac Komnenos, after the latter's ill-judged slight against Richard's fiancé. After visiting the castle, we will pick up our trail through the variety of landscapes of the Karpas Peninsula, finishing up at Kaplica beach. You will have time for a swim before we transfer back to Kyrenia (approx. 1 hr).

Our last daywalk will start from the Five Finger mountains (transfer approx. 30 mins), taking us on a path up towards the Herbarium of Alevkaya, where we break for lunch and may have time to visit thebutterfly museum. This afternoon we will walk to Sourp Magyar, the only Armenian Monastery in the mountains, and on to Kyrenia rock, an excellent photo opportunity.See more images and videos

Your images

Adult Group

This is a small group adult holiday. The group is usually between 4 and 16 in size, with an average of 12 like-minded clients booking individually, in a couple or as friends together.

Activity level

You are reasonably fit, enjoy the outdoors and are looking for some exercise. Some previous experience is preferable for activity based trips.

What's included

What's included

All breakfasts, 5 lunches

All accommodation

All transport and listed activities

Tour leader throughout

London flights (if booking incl. flights)

What's not included

Travel insurance

Visas or vaccinations

Single accommodation (available on request)

Accommodation details

Hotel - 4 Star

You will spend 7 nights in a local 4 star hotel with comfortable en suite rooms. The hotel has a swimming pool and beautiful views of the coastline.
Single rooms are available on request from GBP 120 depending on season: please contact our sales team for more details.

Essential info

Vaccinations and Visa
British and other EU passport holders do not need a visa to visit Cyprus.
There are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Tetanus, Hepatitis A. Holiday style

The trip consists of 5 daywalks through varied terrain and 1 free day. Walking is seldom too demanding and there is plenty of opportunity for sightseeing in and around some of the ruins and castles in the area. Most, but not all, days involve some driving as well as the walking. There are descents each day that, although not technical, may be steep.
Low altitude throughout.

Eating & drinking

All breakfasts, and 3 picnic lunches are included.
Breakfast is buffet style and includes bread/toast, butter, jam, fresh juice, milk, yoghurt, eggs and honey, and coffee/tea.
Picnic lunches using locally sourced food are provided where specified. On other days we will stop at a suitable local cafe or restaurant. Kyrenia has a large number of restaurants to choose from in the evenings and regional specialities include: locally caught fish and seafood by the Kyrenia fishing fleet, excellent local meat dishes, stuffed vegetables, fruit - particularly figs, oranges, nectarines, grapes, olives and pomegranates - and breads and cheeses.

Trip notes

Download the detailed trip notes for everything you could possibly want to know about this trip, including
detailed itinerary and full kit list

Weather & seasonality

May: pleasant daytime temperatures 17-28degC, night time 8-13degC; a chance of some rain; spring flowers can be seen.

June, September and October: daytime temperatures 20-30degC, occasionally up to 35degC, night time 14-19degC; very dry, but a chance of a shower in October.

Gallery

Reviews & community

Having had a busy year with house renovations, we left our holiday booking rather late. We always plump for warmth, we like islands, exploring and walking. Two years ago we managed a brief border crossing in Cyprus when visiting the old walled city. That was a highlight and so I was delighted when John suggested joining a guided walk in North Cyprus this year. The booking was simple, making us wonder if we had completed everything necessary. A few days later following phone calls to let us know things were in hand, our booking was confirmed. We were able to join the group flight to Ergo, transfers and accommodation were complete.
Everything fell into place, the hotel was excellent making an extra effort to give us a truly memorable Christmas.
Our group of 16 fellow walkers gelled really well and our Austrian leader ensured each day went smoothly.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The fact that we received brilliant service throughout making every moment memorable and enjoyable. The itinerary, the transporting and consideration given by the leader and his driver, the timings i.e. lengths of walks and visits to places of interest and relaxation before evening meals were much appreciated enabling us to maximise our time.

What did you think of your group leader?

The leaders commentaries were informed and interesting. The walking pace was good allowing time to take in the views, linger a little longer in the atmosphere of the many historic sites visited. Places to picnic were well chosen, picnics provided enjoyable. Attention to detail and to the group was excellent. On a day when we had the choice to please ourselves, the leader organised an extra trip and came with us each evening including Christmas day.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

For a pair who enjoy meeting people but like to do their own thing, this was a first and we really enjoyed every minute.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

A varied and interesting trip. Spectacular views. Lovely people. Hotel Pia Bella was a very good base.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The most inspirational moments were Visiting the castles high on the cliffs and imagining what they might have been like when people lived there and what kind of people they were.

What did you think of your group leader?

Our group leader was excellent. His English was superb and he had a great degree of knowledge about history, flora and fauna. He was a very warm person and didn't mind answering all our questions patiently.
The pace of the walks was good, it was still quite hot.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

It was interesting to see fruits and seeds on the trees, but spring flowers would have looked lovely.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I wasn't impressed with exodus. Our first flight was delayed, meaning we missed our scheduled flight into Cyprus. I know it says if delayed find your own way to the hotel, but I was surprised that there was no contact at all, no message at the airport, no email, no one to meet us. The one other person on the trip was on time and was just met by a taxi, couldn't we have been sent a taxi too as no representative from exodus was involved in Cyprus. It was about 1 am and we had to find our own taxi and pay £30.

Exodus Response

We would like to thank Ann for her review. We are very sorry that she experienced a flight delay which led to a missed connection. We appreciate that it must have been frustrating to have arrived and not have a transfer waiting, however, unfortunately, we do not have a record of being informed of the flight issue, so were unable to organise an alternative transfer locally. We were very glad, on the other hand, to read that Ann had a great trip overall and we look forward to welcoming her back on another holiday soon.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Seeing Laurence Durrell's house in Bellapais, the crusader castles of Buffavento and St Hilarion, Kyrenia harbour.

What did you think of your group leader?

Our walk leader Tugberk Emirzade was excellent. His knowledge and love of the island made the holiday.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Expect some toughish climbs to the Crusader castles - worth it for the views if you don't suffer from vertigo!!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I really liked the Onar Village hotel. It was wonderful to be able to see over the bay from the outside pool and the restaurant. Thank you Exodus for our Christmas Dinner - a nice and unexpected extra. The chefs at the hotel laid on a great meal that night.

Questions about your trip

Do I need any visas?

No, if you hold an EU passport, you do not need any visa to travel. If you hold a non EU passport, please check with your nearest embassy.

Danuta Janik - Customer Operations

What kind of footwear is best for Cyprus?

Strong but lightweight 2/3 season boots with good ankle support are recommended, as there are descents each day that, although not technical, may be steep. The walking is seldom too demanding and there is plenty of opportunity for sightseeing in and around some of the ruins and castles in the area. A pair of comfortable shoes or trainers will also be very handy for the evenings and journeys to/ from the start/end points. You may also prefer to wear something on your feet when swimming as sea urchins and sharp rocks are not uncommon.

Brendan Phelan - Customer Operations

Is it possible to have a day off during the holiday?

Yes, this trip is centre based so if you would prefer to take off any of the days, you're free to do your own thing. Obviously we hope you'll take advantage of all that is on offer, but it's still a holiday, not a forced march!

Brendan Phelan - Customer Operations

What is the food like on Cyprus?

Buffet style Cypriot breakfast is provided with bread/toast, butter, jam, fresh juice, milk, local yoghurt, eggs and honey, and coffee/tea.Cypriot food includes: locally caught fish and seafood by the Kyrenia fishing fleet, excellent local meat dishes, stuffed vegetables, fruit - particularly figs, oranges, nectarines, grapes, olives and pomegranates - and breads and cheeses.Picnic lunches using locally sourced food are provided where specified. On other days we will stop at a suitable local café or restaurant. Kyrenia has a large number of restaurants to choose from in the evenings.

Katarzyna Crompton - Europe Operations

Exodus staff - expertise on hand to help

All the staff at Exodus share a passion for adventure travel, and are always happy to answer any questions you may have. You can find an expert for the area you are interested in here and can contact them to get further information. If you don't see your specific country listed, please email customerops@exodus.co.uk and they will get the answers you need!

How do I join the Departure Lounge (forum) in the Exodus Community?

To view the Forums, including the Departure Lounge, you do not need to be member of the Exodus Community, simply click on the Community link at the top of every page and read the posts in their respective sections by entering the Departure Lounge, or one of the other options in the list on the page.

To join in a discussion, if already a member, please sign in to your Exodus website account (not related to booking reservations) to contribute to the Forum. If you are not a member of the Exodus Community, you can register by clicking the 'Sign in' at the top of every webpage and select ‘Register’ within the drop down panel.

When viewing the Forum area of the website, as you scroll through the 'Rooms' which are set out by 'travel months' during the current year within the Departure Lounge. You can then select the 'month' of intended travel, then filter the list of trips that have already been created by fellow travellers to see if your trip is listed. If the trip you are travelling on is not in the list, you can start the process by clicking on the 'Post new forum topic' link above the list on the same page. If you do see your trip within the list, select it to view the 'discussion' by your fellow travellers and you can join in by completing the 'Post your comment' section below the discussion thread.

Please note: there might be slight a delay before your post/comment appears as intended because we moderate what is published on the website.

We hope you enjoy using the Departure Lounge to meet your fellow travellers and continue to contribute right up to the start of your journey with Exodus.

Responsible travel

We realise that every holiday destination is also someone else's home and that we should leave places as we found them. Find out more about how we incorporate responsible travel into our adventure and activity holidays, and how you can help by donating to one of our responsible travel projects.